Compact Disk Buffer System

ABSTRACT

This invention comprises methods, devices, and systems for buffing, to repair and restore all types of compact discs. The restoration is essentially accomplished by interaction of rotating buffers with a compact disc on a rotating platform. For added effectiveness certain chemicals are added to the rotating buffers. The portable system is fully automatic such that an operator can perform other functions. The device also includes plurality of timers and indicators as well as a convenient carrying handle. The CD Buffing Unit allows the restoration and maintenance of all known CD Media, DVDs, single or double sided, including 3-inch discs with the use of a 3-inch adapter.

RELATED DOCUMENT

This application is a Continuation-In-Part Application to Ser. No. 11/103,234 filed Apr. 11, 2005 by the same inventor bearing the same title, “Compact Disk Buffer System.” Which in turn was based upon provisional application Ser. No. 60/561,596 filed Apr. 12, 2004 bearing the same title, “Compact Disc Buffer System” by the same inventor Dan Diotte and the inventor applicant claimed priority there from and continues to claim said priority date of Apr. 12, 2004

BACKGROUND

This invention relates generally to a restoration and repair system. More particularly it relates to a device that buffs compact discs in every format. Even more particularly it relates to methods, devices and system that effectively repairing the optical surface of a compact disc.

THE PROBLEM

Compact discs often get scratched. Various machines, methods and processes have been devised and constructed to repair such discs such that data can be rerecorded and faithfully reproduced. The problem with prior art techniques can be categorized into the following:

-   -   a) Unable to record and reproduce data faithfully.     -   b) Not cost effective.     -   c) Results in waste.     -   d) Raises environmental concerns.     -   e) Not easy to install, use and operate.     -   f) Existing machines remove material therefore the number of         repair cycles on any one disc is limited.

SUMMARY

Compact discs often get scratched with use or accidentally. When this happens music discs skip tracks and DVDs skip frames, which interferes with proper education and entertainment. Instead of investing in a new disc, this invention comprises methods, devices, and systems for buffing to repair and restore all types of compact discs.

The CD Buffing Unit allows the restoration and maintenance of all known CD Media, DVDs; single or double sided, including 3 inch discs with the use of a 3-inch adapter. The device essentially comprises interaction of rotating buffers with a compact disc on a rotating platform. For added effectiveness certain chemicals are added to the rotating buffers. Discarding the scratched CD is obviated by loading the scratched CD onto a rotating platter mechanism and buffed on the optical side of the CD by the inner action of a motor, turning buffing pads and the application of liquid between the pads and the optical side of the CD.

The process eliminates a large portion of optical defects, caused by scratches or scuffs. This buffing process causes a heat buildup between the pads and the CD media, which effectively re-flows or pushes or relocates the plastic, allowing the optical surface to be freed from optical defects, therefore restoring the playability and accessibility of CD data. This process, with the aid of the liquid, to control heat build-up, allows a non-aggressive approach to repairing the optical side of a CD without removing any polymers off the CD, or affecting its thickness. Resulting in virtually an unlimited amount of times a CD can be maintained or repaired.

PRIOR ART

A preliminary prior art patent search was conducted by the applicant. Furthermore the applicant is intimately familiar with the prior art. Prior art inventors have been very creative in designing exotic tables but are seldom successful in combining strength and elegance. Following is a survey of the prior art patents and publications arranged in reverse chronological order for ready reference of the reader.

-   -   2) U.S. Pat. No. 6,386,946 blessed upon Lin et al on May 14,         2002 for “Repair Machine for Compact Disk”     -   1) U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,566 awarded to Jason Bauer on Sep. 21,         1999 for “Method and Apparatus for Reconditioning Digital         Recording Discs”

Additionally the examiner in the parent application has made the following prior art of record.

-   -   2) U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,463 of November 2000 issued to Shimizu et         al in class 15/102         -   1) U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,181 of January 1999 granted to             Maekawa et al in class 15/102

OBJECTIVES

At any rate none of the prior art devices known to the applicant or his attorney disclose the EXACT embodiment of this inventor that constitutes a simple, elegant, quick, convenient, affordable means of constructing this invention. Prior art devices do not provide singularly or even in combination all of the objectives as established by the inventor for this system as enumerated below.

-   -   1. It is an objective of this invention to provide a system for         quickly and effectively repairing or maintaining all types of         scratched or otherwise damaged compact discs.     -   2. Another objective of this invention is to provide a one step,         fully automated way to repair a compact disc, in a convenient         and short period of time having no noticeable characteristics of         being repaired, such that the lack of noticeable characteristics         would give the CD, an indistinguishable new look.     -   3. Another objective of this invention to provide a perfect         restoration through buffing the polymers optically clear. That         inherently would not affect the thickness or the amount of times         the CD could be maintained or repaired.     -   4. Another objective of this invention is to obviate the need to         grind, sand, lap, or cut, using several aggressive methods or         processes on the optical surface in order to achieve optical         clarity and esthetics.     -   5. Another objective of this invention is to eliminate air-born         and chemical pollutants due to conventional chemical compound         grinding, sanding, and lapping techniques.     -   6. Another objective of this invention is that the device be         portable to operate as front counter device as opposed to a         back-office operation.     -   7. Another objective of this invention is to not affect the         thickness of the CD and/or the amount of times the said media         can be maintained.     -   8. Another objective of this invention is that the design is         simple and elegant.     -   9. Another objective of this invention is that its use is         intuitive, which requires no further training.     -   10. Another objective of the system of this invention is that it         be capable of multiple uses.     -   11. Another objective of the invention is that it uses little or         no additional energy by obviating any wiping, polishing, or         clean up by hand, after the repair is complete.     -   12. Another objective of this invention is that the invention         use modular standard components, easily interface-able,         transportable, and storable.     -   13. Another objective of this invention is that it be reliable         such that it practically never fails and requires very little         maintenance. (Every 2500 cycles—cleaning and buffing pads only)     -   14. Another objective of this invention is that it be         environmentally friendly, and uses biodegradable materials to         the extent practical.     -   15. Another objective of this invention is that it be physically         safe in normal environment as well as accidental situations.     -   16. Another objective of this invention is that it be made long         lasting, made from durable materials.     -   17. Another objective of this invention is to provide a cheap         consumable alternative to maintenance or repair of a CD. (Up to         ten times less in consumable costs)     -   18. Another objective of this invention is that it provides 2500         repeatable processes before consumable change.     -   19. Another objective of this invention is that it provides the         majority of repairs or maintenance to a CD in 30 seconds.     -   20. Another objective of this invention is to provide a user         friendly, smart interface with the user.     -   21. Another objective of this invention is that it be         interface-able with other electronic devices through software         and hardware add-ons and up-grades.     -   22. Another objective of this invention is that the device can         acclimate software up-grade and/or hardware device add-ons,         options, and up-grades.     -   23. Another objective of this invention is to provide an         application of the liquid or coolant in a manual and or         automated disbursement over the optical side of the CD media.     -   24. Another objective of the invention is to provide the         majority of the mechanical apparatus in an interchangeable         module for end user replacement of mechanical parts.     -   25. Another objective of this invention is that it meet Federal,         State, local, and other private, international, standard         guidelines, regulations, compliances and recommendations with         respect to safety, environment, and energy consumption.     -   26. Another objective of this invention resides in its         simplicity, elegance of design, ease of manufacturing, service         and use and even aesthetics as will become apparent from the         following brief description of the drawings and the detailed         description of the concept embodiment.

Other objectives of this invention reside in its simplicity, elegance of design, ease of manufacture, service and use and even aesthetics as will become apparent from the following brief description of the drawings and the detailed description of the concept embodiment. Unfortunately none of the prior art devices singly or even in combination provides all of the features established by the inventor for this system as enumerated below.

-   -   a) Safe, Secure, Simple and elegant sleek design     -   b) Affordable and Cost effective     -   c) c) Easy to manufacture, use and operate and maintain.     -   d) Small Foot Print with Center of Gravity within base.     -   e) User Friendly and intuitive.     -   f) Long lasting and durable     -   g) Intuitive to require no additional training     -   h) Multiple uses in a wide range of situations and         circumstances.     -   i) Easily scalable up and down     -   j) Easily adaptable for other uses     -   k) Environmentally friendly     -   l) Unlimited repair cycles as no material is removed from the         CD.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These objectives and features of the invention shall now be described in relationship to the following drawings, which are integral part of the specifications and are incorporated herein.

a) FIG. 1 is a 3-D isometric exterior view of the CD Buffer.

b) FIG. 2A is an interior sectional view of the mechanisms of the CD Buffer.

c) FIG. 2 B shows more detailed top plan view of the rotating CD platter and the buffer motor travel means. It effectively shows an enlarged view of lower section of FIG. 2A for clarification.

d) FIG. 3 is a 3-D isometric view the inner action between the motorized buffing wheels or pads, the coolant liquid, and the optical side of the CD media.

e) FIG. 4 shows a process flow chart.

f) FIG. 5 depicts a software program flowchart.

g) FIG. 6 delineates a low voltage schematic of the CD Buffer used by the inventor in the preferred embodiment.

h) FIG. 7 delineates a high voltage schematic used by the inventor in the preferred embodiment.

i) FIG. 8 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the disc and how the lasers interact with the data layer at the bottom of the disc for read and write operations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As shown in the drawings wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, there is generally disclosed in FIG. 1 is a 3-D isometric exterior view of the CD Buffer, complete with front panel 110, top panel 115 with convenient carrying handle 116, removable side panels 118, CD access drawer 120, and plurality of status activators and indicators 150. FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of the entire external embodiment of the CD Buffer 100, which comprises of a front portion 110, a top portion 115 with handle 116. A removable side portion 118, a drawer and handle portion 120, a Cyclops eye portion 111, a control panel 150, and deep buff panel 155. More specifically the front portion 110, includes Cyclops eye with a multi-phase color LED display 111, a control panel with an drawer open button 151, start button 152, green power-on LED light 153, blue LED process—in-operation light 154, a deep buff panel 155 consisting of a deep—buff-selector button 156, and a red LED deep buff indicator light 157. A door and handle portion 120 consisting of a front door 123 and attached handle 125.

FIG. 2A depicts an interior sectional view of the mechanisms of the CD Buffer complete with front panel 110, an AC motor 260, spring 261, rotating buffers 265, rotating compact disk (CD) platter table 230, sliding rails 240, platter motor 235, and interface between two said motors and floating platform 268 for said two motors. FIG. 2A has a cut sectional view exposing the preferred embodiment of the interior of front panel 110 which comprises latch-tray solenoid 270, high power AC board 280, low power PLC controller board 290; it further exposes the sub-frame 205, patter motor 235, a cam motor assembly 245, AC clock motor 262, and sliding drawer rail assembly 240. A neoprene pad 234 is added on the CD platter table 230 for added traction so as to act as a cushion and brake such that its 60-RPM motor does not race towards 3200 RPM.

More specifically an AC Motor 110/220 Volts, 1/3 Horsepower, 3200 RPM 260. Attached is a 110/220 AC 6 RPM clock motor 262. Attached to the clock motor 262 is the motor lift spring 261, which has a load spring capacity of 4.5 inch pounds. Spring 261 is connected to spring bracket 263. Buff motor 260 further comprises a rear portion and attached to the rear portion is spring bracket 263, which is connected to the motor lift spring 261. Also comprising of a front shaft portion 264, which 3 buffing pads 265 are slid on. The 3 pads are evenly spaced by two rubber spacers ⅜ of an inch thick and two-inch diameter. The pads and spacers are held in place by knob 266. The AC motor is held in place by mounting bracket 267, which is pivotally attached to drawer slide-rail assembly 240 which is held in place by bracket 241. Drawer slide-rail assembly 240 has attached to it Cam base plate 243 which has mounted on it a 12 RPM AC Cam motor assembly 245.

FIG. 2 B shows more a detailed top plan view of the rotating CD platter table. It effectively shows an enlarged view of lower section of FIG. 2A for clarification. For further clarification it shows in greater detail the top plan view of the sub-frame assembly 205, concomitant slide rail assembly support member 240, cam base plate 243, cam lever arm 249 and concomitant spring 246. The Cam motor assembly 245 is connected to a track-roller 248 connected to the cam lever arm 249 which is spring loaded by spring 246 which spring loads the track-roller 248 against Cam 245. The Cam lever arm is held in place by bearing and bolt assembly 247, which allows the Cam lever arm 249 to pivot in a side to side motion caused by the spring loaded interaction or tracking between the track-roller bearing and the Cam motor assembly 245. Also attached to the Cam lever arm 249 is a 60-RPM, AC Compact Disk platter motor 235. Attached to the motor shaft is a 4¾ inch CD platter table 230. Which consists of the main CD platter table 230, the 15 mm center pin 232 for a compact disk 231, and a soft 50 durometer or less, neoprene pad 234, and adhesive backed rubber. For further clarification FIG. 2B shows the interaction between pads 265 and Compact Disc 231 will be explained by circumference lines 236, 237 which represent the path of the recordable data. Also perpendicular to the recordable data path is represented by line 238. A final adjacent line is represented as 239. It is important to note that the most successful pattern of repairing scratches should not follow the recordable data path lines 236, 237 also is not the preferred method to follow the pathway of the perpendicular line 238. The preferred method is a pathway shown in line 239 which said pathway will change between 5° and 45° as cam lever arm 249 swings CD 231 side to side approximately 1½ inches. The range between 5° and 45° as a preferred pathway 239 of the perpendicular line 238 and circumference lines 236 and 237 allows with each rotation to attack these scratch from different angles allowing the polymers to fill in these said scratch optimizing the effectiveness of the repair as regards to the optical flatness and transparency of the CD surface.

In FIG. 2A the AC clock motor 262 is activated by rotating wheel 269 effecting the pulling of spring 261. This causes the AC Motor 260 to tilt forward by upward driven motion. The continued rotation of the AC clock 262 causes through natural gravity a slow and controlled decent of motor 260. In the preferred embodiment the controlled decent is approximately 15 seconds to traverse the 1 1/16 of an inch downwards. This entire Lift sub-assembly including 261, 262, 263, 269 controls the activation, deactivation and pressure for rotating pads 265 with Compact disc media 231, which is a-fixed to CD Platter table 230. The Cam Lever Arm Assembly starts with sub-frame 205. Attached to it are four drawer rail brackets 240.

Cam Motor assembly 245 spins at 12-RPM Counter clockwise. Cam motor assembly 245 with cam 242 has six distinct quadrants, three inward quadrants of the same depth of approximately 1 inch from the center of the Cam 242. Three outward protruding quadrants that are effectively doubling in distance and range of motion from the starting point of an inward quadrant. The smallest outward protrusion of approximately ¼ inch, the second outward protrusion ½ inch, and the third and largest outward protrusion is ¾ of an inch from inward quadrant.

This Cam 242 is followed by bearing track roller 247 which is tensioned against the Cam with the aid of spring 246, connected at one end to 244 and the opposite end to 240. As the Cam rotates counter clockwise it effectively moves the track-roller bearing, attached to the Cam Lever Arm 249, which pivots on the center point bearing and bolt assembly 247. This effectively moves the CD platter 230 perpendicular to the AC Motor 260. The range of motion is as follows Pads 265 shaft 264 is lined up with CD Mounting Pin 232. The Cam Lever Arm 249, and the CD Platter 230 spinning at 60 RPM, pivots it's self away from the pads 265 approximately two inches, due to the motion of the largest outward protrusion of the Cam motor assembly 245 pushing on the track-roller bearing.

The CD Platter table 230 and Cam Lever Arm 249 swings 180 degrees in the opposite direction towards the Pads 265, coming to rest 1 inch from center of Pads 265. The next range of motion again, reverses the direction 180 degrees to force the CD Platter table 230 to move away from pads 265, approximately 1 inch for a total traverse distance of 2 inches from the original centering point of Pads 265. This represents the mid-furthest protrusion of Cam motor assembly 245.

The third and final range of movement is represented by the smallest protrusion on Cam motor assembly 245, which traverses the Lever Arm 249 and the CD Platter table 230 to go towards the pads 265 half of an inch. Again, the motion continues 180 degrees away from the pads 265, in the opposite direction another one half inch to have a total combined distance of two inches between Pads 265 and the Centering Pin 232. The final traverse distance will reverse 180 degrees, and travel two inches to line the Cam Lever Arm 249, CD Platter table 230, and Centering Pin 232 with Pads 265, and AC Motor 260. This range of motion is specifically designed to distribute an even dispersion of force, chemical catalyst AC Liquid 333, friction and heat to the CD media 231. More specifically, if you apportion the record-able area of CD media 231 into three quadrants with an interior quadrant area and an exterior quadrant area and a center quadrant area, the interior quadrant area has only one third the surface area as the exterior quadrant area or in contrast the exterior quadrant area has three time the physical surface area. The range of movement produced by the Cam motor assembly 245 concentrates in a time sequence, three times as much frictional buffing on the exterior quadrant than the interior quadrant and vice versa. This produces an even heat transfer and distribution, between the Pads 265, the chemical catalyst AC Liquid 333 and compact disc media 331, shown in FIG. 3, in order to soften the immediate polymer surface on the optical side of the compact disk media 331 producing an even re-flowing and redistribution of the plastic in a controlled, uniform manner to effectively repair the immediate top layer surface of the optical side of the compact disc media 331. This range of movement prevents ill effects to the CD media 331 such as warping, rounding of edges, surface degradation, plastic inclusions, due to excessive heat or uneven heat transfer also the lack of heat ineffectively repairing and re-flowing the surface. Since the chemical catalyst AC Liquid 333 has no abrasives so nothing is taken away from the compact disc during this repair cycle. If compact disc has deep scratches a deep buff cycle can be selected and thus effectively doubles the amount of time from 30 seconds to 60 seconds to allow more time to redistribute the polymer top layer.

FIG. 3 is a 3-D isometric view the inner action between the motorized buffing wheels or pads 365, the chemical catalyst 333, and the optical side of the CD media 331 specifically delineating in detail buffer motor 360, rotating buffer pads 365 and rotating platter table 330, which in turn comprises of a front portion 360 of AC Motor 260, a Pad grouping of three pads 365 which comprises of 265, the optical side of CD media 331 and chemical catalyst 333.

Each pad 365 A, B, C comprises muslin with 15 layers, chemically treated with Anti-static conditioner chemical catalyst, Pad Part number PN#2499, AC liquid (chemical catalyst 333) Part Number PN#2099 available from VenMill Industries Inc telephone number 1-508-278-0091, 660 Douglas Street, Uxbridge, Mass. 01569, or purchase from web site www.venmill.com. Also sold by Distributor: Specialty Store Services 1-800-999-0771, or purchase from website www.specialtystoreservices.com. Also available from VenMill Industries Inc., Product Number #2299 and Specialty Store Services. Product Number #8281.

Pad Product number #8333, AC Liquid, chemical catalyst without abrasives, product Number #8334 Pad 365A is a normal concentration of AC Liquid chemical catalyst 333 that has been approximately dipped in anti static conditioning liquid for ten seconds, buffing pads are then spun dried then cut and raked to 6 inches in diameter. Buffing Pad 365B has 50% more concentration of AC Liquid chemical catalyst 333 and prepared and finished in the same manner as Buffing Pad 365A. Buffing Pad 365C has been treated with double or 100% more concentration of AC Liquid chemical catalyst 333, and has been prepared and finished in the same manner as Buffing Pads 365A and 265B.

The specific differences in concentrations in Pad group 365 are again to maintain an even control of surface temperature in the distinctive surface areas between the small interior surface temperatures in the distinctive surface areas between the small interior surface area to the largest exterior optical surface area of the CD Media 331. The chemical catalyst 333 has no abrasives and dissipates with the mechanical friction of Pad Group 365 against the CD Media 331 leaving no residual on the surface of the CD Media 331. Thus nothing is added to the compact disc during the repair operation leaving the surface thickness unchanged.

Build up of residual residue of chemical catalyst 333 is apparent after ten to twenty second operation on Pad Group 365. In order to maintain peak performance of Pad Group 365 the residual is raked off by running a CD cleaner disc in place of the CD Media 331. This Cleaner disc can be run through a 30 second or one minute cycle and has 60 raking teeth, which operate much like a cheese grater. This allows the residual to be detached from Pad Group 365 leaving the Buffing Pads in an original, high performance condition. The CD Cleaner disc Product Number #2399 can be ordered from above mention Vendors.

FIG. 4 shows a bifurcated user process flow chart for deep and regular buffs. Once the compact disk media 231 has been loaded onto the CD Platter table 230 with a surface application of chemical catalyst 333 applied to the entire surface of the record-able area of the optical side of the CD media 231, opposite to label side, the process starts with the Motors 260, 235 and 245 starting then the AC clock motor 262 lifting AC Motor 260 which tilts pads 265 onto the CD Media 231. The AC clock motor 262 will stay activated for fifteen seconds, then will continue rotating slowly releasing the pressure of Pads 265 off the Compact Disk Media 231 giving it a high, indistinguishable surface shine, like new. Then Motor 260, 235 and 245 shut off. This is a one-step process, not adding or removing any materials from the optical surface of the Compact disc media 231. Deep buff is selected for a deeper scratch which doubles the repair time from 30 seconds to 60 seconds resulting in triple effectiveness of the repair.

FIG. 5 depicts a software program flowchart spread over 5 sheets complete with plurality of inter-page connectors, plurality of decision blocks, plurality of GOTO Connectors with alpha nomenclature.

FIG. 6 delineates a low voltage schematic of the CD Buffer used by the inventor in the preferred embodiment complete with plurality of integrated circuit chips 620, 650, plurality of programming headers 630, 640, and inter-module connector 625 and associated supporting components such as crystal 655 and bi-directional rectifier 635.

FIG. 7 delineates a high voltage schematic used by the inventor in the preferred embodiment complete with plurality of OPTO DIP circuits 710, 770 each with supporting circuitry 711, 771 respectively and plurality of connectors 780, 790.

FIG. 8 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the disc and how the lasers interact with the data layer at the bottom of the disc for read and write operations. It basically delineates the theory of operation and why buffering not only does not delete the data but restores the capability of the optical laser to read and retrieve the data beneath the optical surface.

When a compact disk 331 is scratched instead of discarding the CD, it is loaded onto CD platter table 330 and buffed on the optical side of the CD 331 by the interaction of a motor 360, turning buffing pads 365 counterclockwise and CD platter table 330 with compact disk 331 clockwise in order to facilitate turning in the same direction for the purpose of allowing enough time in any given area of the CD in contact with pads 365 to properly heat the polymer surface of said CD as opposed to turning the opposite direction which would not facilitate a buildup of heat to re-flow the polymers, the application of chemical catalyst non abrasive liquid 333 between the pads 365 and the optical side of the CD 331 effectively repairing the compact disk by re-flowing and redistributing the polymer surface filling in the scratch and restoring optical flatness with a clear like new transparency.

The inventor employed the following program in the preferred embodiment but other programs in other languages and other platforms can also work satisfactorily.

The inventor employed the following program in the preferred embodiment but other programs in other languages and other platforms can also work satisfactorily.

CCS PCH C Compiler, Version 3.182, 19488 Filename: C:\VenMill_v10.LST

ROM used: 5840 (38%) Largest free fragment is 9708 RAM used: 82 (11%) at main( ) level 160 (21%) worst case Stack: 14 worst case (8 in main+6 for interrupts)

0000: GOTO 13F8 0008: MOVWF 05 000A: MOVFF FD8, 06 000E: MOVF FE9, W 0010: MOVWF 07 0012: MOVF FEA,W 0014: MOVWF 08 0016: MOVF FE1,W 0018: MOVWF 09 001A: MOVF FE2,W 001C: MOVWF 0A 001E: MOVF FD9,W 0020: MOVWF 0B 0022: MOVF FDA,W 0024: MOVWF 0C 0026: MOVF FF3,W 0028: MOVWF 14 002A: MOVF FF4,W 002C: MOVWF 15 002E: MOVF FE0,W 0030: MOVWF 0D 0032: MOVLB 0 0034: MOVF 00,W 0036: MOVWF 0F 0038: MOVF 01,W 003A: MOVWF 10 003C: MOVF 02,W 003E: MOVWF 11 0040: MOVF 03,W 0042: MOVWF 12 0044: MOVF 04,W 0046: MOVWF 13 0048: BTFSS FF2.5 004A: GOTO 0054 004E: BTFSC FF2.2 0050: GOTO 0BD6 0054: BTFSS F9D.0 0056: GOTO 0060 005A: BTFSC F9E.0 005C: GOTO 0C32 0060: BTFSS FF2.4 0062: GOTO 006C 0066: BTFSC FF2.1 0068: GOTO 00B2 006C: GOTO 0C64 0070: MOVF 0F,W 0072: MOVWF 00 0074: MOVF 10,W 0076: MOVWF 01 0078: MOVF 11,W 007A: MOVWF 02 007C: MOVF 12,W 007E: MOVWF 03 0080: MOVF 13,W 0082: MOVWF 04 0084: MOVF 0D,W 0086: MOVWF FE0 0088: BSF 0D.7 008A: MOVF 07,W 008C: MOVWF FE9 008E: MOVF 08,W 0090: MOVWF FEA 0092: MOVF 09,W 0094: MOVWF FE1 0096: MOVF 0A,W 0098: MOVWF FE2 009A: MOVF 0B,W 009C: MOVWF FD9 009E: MOVF 0C,W 00A0: MOVWF FDA 00A2: MOVF 14,W 00A4: MOVWF FF3 00A6: MOVF 15,W 00A8: MOVWF FF4 00AA: MOVF 05,W 00AC: MOVFF 06,FD8 00B0: RETFIE 0 . . . File: VenMill_V10.C

. . . Type: C program Source Code

. . . Date: 07-23-03

. . . Rev: 1.0 Original port to CCS compiler

. . . By: WMD

. . . Target: PIC18F242 microcontroller

. . . Desc:

. . . Include header files

Assembly Use and Operation

The process eliminates a large portion of optical defects, caused by scratches or scuffs. This buffing process causes a heat build up between the pads and the CD media which effectively re-flows or pushes or relocates the plastic, allowing the optical surface to be freed from optical defects, therefore restoring the playability and accessibility of CD data. This process, with the aid of the liquid, to control heat build-up, allows a non-aggressive approach to repairing the optical side of a CD without removing any polymers off the CD, or affecting its thickness. Resulting in virtually an unlimited amount of times a CD can be maintained or repaired.

The manufacturing, assembly and use of this invention is very simple even intuitive. Nonetheless the inventor suggests the following procedure.

a) Loading damaged compact disc onto a platter mechanism.

b) Applying coolant onto optical side of CD manually or in an automated disbursement.

c) Engaging, rotating, buffing wheels or pads to have direct contact with the optical side of the CD and the coolant.

NOTE: The direct contact results in heat build-up causing the re-flowing of the polymers of the optical surface of the compact disc media. The direct contact of said pads slowly elevates towards the end of the cycle to a non-contact state with the CD media, producing an indistinguishably like-new polished shine.

d) Removing the CD media from the platter mechanism and putting directly back into service without any further effort, work, or finishing processes.

The inventor has given a non-limiting description of the system of this invention. Due to the simplicity and elegance of the design of this invention designing around it is difficult. Nonetheless many changes may be made to this design without deviating from the spirit of this invention. Examples of such contemplated variations include the following:

a) The shape and size, thickness and material used in the buffing pads may be modified.

b) The color, aesthetics and materials may be enhanced or varied.

c) Additional complimentary and complementary functions and features may be added.

d) A more economical version and/or size of the device may be adapted.

e) The device may be operated manually or powered by a different energy source.

f) The speeds and strokes of motors and various lever mechanisms may be varied.

g) The coolant may be manually or mechanically applied.

Other changes such as aesthetics and substitution of newer materials as they become available, which substantially perform the same function in substantially the same manner with substantially the same result without deviating from the spirit of the invention may be made.

The following is a brief description of the function of the components used in the best mode preferred embodiment for use with OEM as well as retrofit markets. For the ready reference of the reader the reference numerals have been arranged in ascending numerical order.

-   -   100=The closed system, the machine, or the device generally     -   110=The front panel     -   112=The Handle     -   120=Removable side panels     -   130=Front Loading CD Access Door     -   140=Observation window     -   150=Status Indicators     -   170=Numeric LCD Counter Display     -   200=The exposed system, the machine, or the device generally     -   205=Sub Frame assembly     -   206=Slide Rail Assembly Support Member     -   210=Buffing Motor     -   215=Buffer motor lift spring     -   220=Buffers and/or buffer pads     -   225=Tension spring     -   230=Rotating CD platter     -   232=CD platter center pin     -   240=Rotating platter motor     -   242=Cam Lever Arm     -   244=Bearing and bolt assembly to allow cam lever arm 242 to         pivot side to side.     -   245=Buffer motor positioning bracket     -   248=Cam base plate     -   250=Buffer motor travel means generally     -   252=Track roller bearing     -   254=Cam     -   255=Spring     -   260=Motor lift solenoid     -   295=Drawer slide rail assembly     -   300=CD Buffer Pads Interface     -   310=Buffer motor     -   320=Buffers and/or buffer pads     -   330=CD platter     -   400=User process interface generally     -   410=Operator selects open tray     -   420=Operator loads CD with optical side face up     -   430=Operator applies liquid chemical     -   440=Operator selects deep buff     -   442=Operator closes door     -   444=Operator starts automatic process     -   446=60 second timer     -   448=CD tray opens automatically     -   450=End of cycle     -   460=Operator selects deep buff     -   462=Operator closes door     -   464=Operator starts automatic process     -   466=60 second timer     -   468=CD tray opens automatically     -   500=Software program flow chart generally     -   510=Power on reset     -   512=Start switch     -   515=Start operation decision block     -   516=Open switch     -   518=Open switch decision block     -   520=Start switch status decision block     -   521=Start switch not yet closed     -   522=Start switch closed     -   523=Reset Buff counter to 0     -   524=Reset alarm     -   525=CAM motor operates as long as CAM center sensor is open     -   526=A Input/Output (GOTO)     -   527=B Input/Output (GOTO)     -   530=Energize tray solenoid     -   531=Interpage connector #1     -   532=CD Tray opens     -   533=Load CD/DVD     -   534=Application of antistatic conditioning fluid     -   535=Close tray     -   550=Ten second timer operation     -   542=Start switch closed     -   545=Timer monitor decision block     -   546=Disable emergency shut down     -   548=Interpage connector #2     -   550=Emergency shutdown     -   551=Open Switch Decision     -   552=Start Switch Decision     -   554=Stop buffer motor     -   556=Center CAM     -   557=Energize tray solenoid     -   558=Alarm Tone cadence     -   560=Monitor Open & Start switches when buffer motor is running     -   561=Start CAM motor     -   562=Half second delay     -   563=Monitor CAM position sensor continuously     -   564=Start buffer motor     -   565=Energize lift solenoid     -   566=Deep Buff Register     -   566=15 seconds     -   567=45 seconds     -   568=Set Process timer     -   570=Interpage connector #3     -   571=CAM sensor closed     -   572=Six second timer     -   573=CAM sensor Timer Decision     -   574=Stop buffer motor     -   575=Ten short Alert Tones     -   576=Energize tray solenoid     -   577=Wait for manual intervention     -   580=Interpage connector #4     -   581=Time out     -   582=Release Lift solenoid     -   583=Set 15 Second Timer     -   584=Time Out     -   585=Wait for CAM to center     -   586=Turn off CAM motor & Energize tray solenoid     -   587=One second delay     -   588=Stop buffer motor     -   589=Increment Buff Counter     -   590=Interpage connector number 5     -   591=Buff Counter greater than 2500     -   592=Buff Counter greater than 2500—YES     -   593=Buff Counter greater than 2500—NO     -   594=15 second alert tone     -   595=Buff Counter greater than 2400     -   596=Buff Counter greater than 2400—YES     -   597=Buff Counter greater than 2400—NO     -   598=End of Sequence     -   599=Five short alert tones     -   600=Logic schematic of CD Buffer generally     -   610=8 Pin connector module     -   620=26 Pin Integrated Circuit     -   625=Inter module connecting member     -   630=2 Pin Header     -   635=Bi-directional rectifier     -   650=Microprocessor     -   655=Crystal for clock frequency control     -   670=7 Pin terminal module     -   700=Motor voltage schematic of CD Buffer generally     -   710=OPTO DIP #1     -   711=Rectifier circuit #1     -   720=OPTO DIP #2     -   721=Rectifier circuit #2     -   730=OPTO DIP #3     -   731=Rectifier circuit #3     -   740=OPTO DIP #4     -   741=Rectifier circuit #4     -   750=OPTO DIP #5     -   751=Rectifier circuit #5     -   760=OPTO DIP #6     -   761=Rectifier circuit #6     -   770=OPTO DIP #7     -   771=Rectifier circuit #7     -   800=FIG. 8 generally comprising two laser beams 810, 820 reading         from or writing to rotating disk 830     -   810=Laser beam number 1     -   812=Outgoing laser beam number 1     -   815=Deflected laser beam     -   820=Laser beam number 2     -   822=Outgoing laser beam number 2     -   824=Reflected laser beam     -   830=Rotating disk     -   840=Transparent plastic layer     -   850=Digital information layer     -   860=Protective layer

DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS

A great care has been taken to use words with their conventional dictionary definitions. Following definitions are included here for clarification.

3D=Three Dimensional CD=Compact Disc DIY=Do It Yourself DVD=Digital Video Disk

Integrated=Combination of two entities to act like one Interface=Junction between two dissimilar entities

LCD=Liquid Crystal Display LED=Light Emitting Diode OEM=Original Equipment Manufacturer RPM=Revolutions Per Minute

While this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments as well as other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to a person of average skill in the art upon reference to this description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claim(s) cover any such modifications, embodiments as fall within the true scope of this invention. 

1. A compact disk repair system for scratched or damaged polymer on the optical side of the compact disk comprising: a) a rotating circular compact disk platter; b) at least one rotating buffer pad tangentially in contact with said rotating disk platter; c) means for traversing said buffer pad along the radius of said rotating disk platter; and d) spring means for adjusting interface tangential tension between said rotating platter and said buffer pad.
 2. The compact disk repair system of claim 1 wherein thickness of the compact disk remains unchanged during the repair operation.
 3. The compact disk repair system of claim 2 where in nothing is added to said disk under repair by said disk repair system.
 4. The compact disk repair system of claim 2 where in nothing is removed from said disk under repair by said disk repair system.
 5. A method of repairing compact disks comprising the steps of: a) loading a damaged compact disc onto an on-demand uniformly rotateable platter; b) applying non-abrasive chemical catalyst onto optical side of said compact disc; c) buffing said optical side of said compact disc with tangentially touching rotating pads; and d) removing said compact disc from said platter for immediate repaired use.
 6. The method of repairing compact disks of claim 5 wherein the thickness of the compact disk remains unchanged during the repair operation.
 7. The method of repairing compact disks of claim 6 where in nothing is added to said disk under repair by said disk repair method.
 8. The method of repairing compact disks of claim 6 where in nothing is removed from said disk under repair by said disk repair method.
 9. The compact disk restoration method of claim 5 wherein said buffing comprises smooth agitation so as to reflow polymer plastic on said CD to proper optical flatness plane of said CD prior to said restoration process.
 10. The compact disk repair method of claim 5 wherein different levels of chemical concentration are applied to consecutive pads of said buffer.
 11. The compact disk restoration method of claim 5 wherein the buffer motor is rotating in the same direction as the compact disk recorded media.
 12. The compact disk restoration method of claim 5 further comprising deep buffing by doubling the buffing time resulting in triple effectiveness.
 13. The method of repairing compact disks of claim 5 wherein said non-abrasive chemical catalyst comprises a coolant. 